Polymeric Surge Arresters for Distribution Networks

Question: What are TE's Bowthorpe Distribution Surge Arresters designed and tested to do?

Answer: Our Distribution Surge Arrester is an optimised zinc oxide gapless surge arrester, designed and tested to the latest revision of the IEC 60099-4, Ed 3.0 (2014) standard. This surge arrester is for rated voltage (Ur- kV) applications up to 36 kV.

Question: Where can the Distribution Surge Arresters be used, and what are the typical applications?

Answer: Our Distribution Surge Arrester can be used for overvoltage protection in medium-voltage networks up to 40 kV. Typical overvoltages are primarily due to either lightning or switching on the network. While our Distribution Surge Arresters can be used internally or externally. Typical applications include pole-mounted transformers, overhead line-to-cable junctures on the medium-voltage network, or in areas adjacent to expensive assets that may need to be protected against overvoltages and insulation damage.

Question: What are the main features and benefits of the Distribution Surge Arresters?

Answer:

• Design is based on cage construction with ZnO varistor blocks, Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) rods, and silicone rubber housing.
• The development includes an innovative disconnector design that makes it easier to ship & store than many other disconnectors on the market.
• Directly moulded housing prevents moisture ingress and reduces the risk of premature failure, leading to longer service life and reduced maintenance costs.
• Safe failure mode during short circuit test. Safety is paramount with a safe failure mode. Our goal is to help ensure the safety of human life.
• Excellent hydrophobic silicone housing expertly designed for polluted environments. This promotes excellent pollution handling characteristics, minimising ageing effects. It can be used in industrial, coastal, or desert regions with a long service life.
• Independent laboratory-verified Product Type Tests completed in an EU lab in accordance with IEC60099-4, Ed 3.0 (2014) - DH Classification

Question: How do I select the correct Distribution Surge Arrester for a specific application or customer specification?

Answer: The Distribution Surge Arrester's selection should always start with the customer arrester specification. You can contact us to support product selection. Specific network/system parameters are required to ensure that the product selected is optimised to provide the necessary overvoltage protection and minimise the risk of a network outage. System Parameters include:

• System operating voltage
• System grounding, solid, resistance grounded, isolated, etc
• Temporary Over Voltage (TOV) levels or earth fault factor
• Earth fault conditions, max earth fault voltage, and duration or earth fault factor, and duration. 
• Basic Insulation Level (BIL) of the equipment being protected
• Connection of the arrester, i.e., phase to earth
• Pollution level in the area
• How to connect the line and earth (accessory selection)